APPROVED – Plans for nursery, offices & flats for Waitrose site

At the end of last year, we reported on a planning application to convert the ex-Waitrose site on Chapel Street into to a nursery on the ground floor, with office space and 9 residential units above.

This application has now been APPPROVED. The most comprehensive objection lodged was from the Marlow Society, citing parking issues, plus the fact that unlike Waitrose- the main traffic impact will be at peak travel and school times, ie could increase significantly traffic at that time. They also noted the impact on air pollution and indeed the siting of a nursery in a designated ” Air Quality Management Area”

We will keep you posted on how things develop on the site.

Original article from Dec 2019:

So what will replace Waitrose? This might…

Waitrose Marlow closed its doors for the last time back in October 2019, as we reported at the time. It was an oddly shaped location, converted from previous office space. This was a result of Waitrose having to effectively “make-do” with the largest town centre site they could find, having lost their previous long established West Street location. So, we have been wondering what might replace it.

A planning application has now been submitted for:

“Change of use of the existing building to a nursery (Class D1) at ground floor, office space (Class B1) on part of the first floor and 9 residential units (Class C3) (3 x 1-bed, 5 x 2 bed and 1 x 3 bed flats) on part of the first floor and the second floor, external alterations, creation of new vehicular access, car parking, cycle parking, plant, landscaping and other ancillary works”

The proposed development includes a total of 12 parking spaces which will be divided between the nursery use (five spaces) and the residential use (seven spaces), plus a total of 14 cycle spaces

Ground Floor – Nursery

“The Applicant has identified a preferred operator for the nursery space – Bright Horizons. The company has extensive experience of running successful nurseries across the country. The proposed nursery could accommodate up to 92 children, although the average occupancy is likely to be lower than this.”

The plans do look substantial here – the whole of the ground floor, divided up into separate rooms for different age groups, staff rooms, kitchens, play areas etc. Employment of “up to 25 full time equivalent members of staff “ is noted.

Part of First Floor – Office Space

The proposed office space consists of two separate suites located on the first floor. It is expected that the suites would be attractive to small, local companies.

Second floor, and part of First Floor – Residential Units

The plans provide for 9 residential units on part of the first floor :

3 x 1-bed

5 x 2 bed

1 x 3 bed flats

As ever, we will keep you posted on the Planning Application’s progress…

Paul Merchant

About the author: Founded MyMarlow.co.uk in its original version back in 2000 - yes the internet DID exist back then. Brought up in Marlow, went to school here, now has children at the same schools. Quite clearly loves all things Marlow - hence spending nearly 2 decades doing this!